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CU-Boulder
Computer Recommendations 2009-2010—Student PC Desktop
Return to Recommendations Home
Both minimum requirements and high performance recommendations are listed below. Print out this list and take it with you when you go to buy your computer.
| Type of Technology |
Minimum Recommendation |
High Performance |
| CPU |
- Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8GHz (or AMD equivalent)
- Intel Celeron 2.2GHz (or AMD equivalent)
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- Intel Core i7-940 2.93GHz
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| RAM |
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| Hard Drive |
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| Video Card |
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| Network Access |
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| Wireless Network Access |
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| Warranty |
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| Ports |
- USB 2.0
- Firewire (optional)
- eSATA (optional)
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- USB 2.0
- Firewire (optional)
- eSATA (optional)
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| Audio |
- Internal sound card
- External speakers
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- Internal sound card
- External speakers
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| External Storage Devices |
- 4.0 GB flash drive (minimum)
- External hard drive (minimum size double to your internal hard drive)
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- 4.0 GB flash drive (minimum)
- External hard drive (minimum size double to your internal hard drive)
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| Operating System |
- Windows Vista, Home Premium (or better), w/SP1, 64-bit
- NOTE: Mainstream support for Windows XP ends
in 2009. It is highly recommended that you use Windows Vista.
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- Windows Vista, Home Premium (or better), w/SP1, 64-bit
- NOTE: Mainstream support for
Windows XP ends in 2009. It is highly recommended that you
use Windows Vista.
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| Printing |
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| Productivity Tools |
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| Web Browser |
- Internet Explorer 7
- Firefox 3.X
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- Internet Explorer 7
- Firefox 3.X
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| E-mail Programs |
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| Virus Protection |
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| Anti-Spyware |
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Considerations
Besides the minimum recommendations above it is recommended that you consider
the following:
- Check with Your College or School
- Check with your school or college to see if they have any special requirements
or recommendations before purchasing.
- Purchasing Computers and Software at Educational Prices
- Computers and software meeting these recommendations can be purchased at
the Buffalo Chip, inside the CU Bookstore for an educational discount. Learn
more at www.cubookstore.com/computers.
- Used Computers
- Purchasing used computers
- Although ITS recommends you purchase a new computer, if you decide
to purchase a used computer, please make sure that it meets the
requirements on the IT Service Center supported hardware and software
list, www.colorado.edu/its/docs/standards.html.
Also, you must make sure that you acquire the licenses for the
operating system and software that is loaded on the system.
- Bringing a computer from home
- 64-bit Operating Systems
- Please note that some older applications and drivers might be incompatible
with 64-bit operating systems.
- Tablets and High Portability Laptops
- The list above is not intended for tablets or high portability laptops.
This list was developed for computers that will last three to four
years, so that students can maximize their purchase.
- Extras
- It is a good idea to get "accidental damage protection" when purchasing
a laptop.
- If you're purchasing a laptop, you may want to purchase a monitor as
well for high performance use.
- It is strongly encouraged that you backup your files to an external
hard drive.
Get Help
IT Service Center
303-735-4357 (5-HELP from an on-campus phone)
help@colorado.edu |
